Adrian Bartosiński commented on KSW’s decision to match him against Adam Masaev. The reigning welterweight champion acknowledged that he fully understands the fans who are questioning the Frenchman’s eligibility, but he himself views this matchup from a slightly different perspective.
The title bout will take place during the XTB KSW 122 event, scheduled for October 10 in Rzeszów. Interestingly, while promoting the fight, the organization highlighted Bartosiński’s comments made after his victory over Magomed Tukshaev. At that time, “Bartos” stated that before leaving KSW, he would like to have one more bout against a fighter from Chechnya.
“I know what I’ve had to go through myself”
Many fans interpreted that statement as a reference to a potential rematch with Mamed Khalidov. Ultimately, however, KSW opted for Adam Masaev. The fighter representing France was given a title shot very quickly, even though he had only fought one bout in the welterweight division—against Konrad Rusiński, who was not ranked in the top ten.
This is the point fans most often raise on social media. Many of them accuse the organization of ignoring the rankings and promoting a challenger for the championship bout too quickly.
In a conversation with Artur Mazur, Bartosiński himself admitted that he might have viewed the whole situation differently back then, especially given his own journey toward the title fight.
– Maybe at some point, given my approach, I’d feel that was unfair, because I know how hard I had to fight my way to a title shot. I had to have four fights, [win] four by stoppage, three of which were against ranked opponents. Back then, the rankings weren’t as competitive as they are now when I was starting out, but at that time I had to win tough fights,” Bartosiński commented in an interview with Artur Mazur.
The champion emphasized, however, that what motivates him most right now—more than the choice of opponent itself—is the fact that some fans believe in Masaev’s potential.
“What I like about this matchup, though, is that some people say they can threaten me, that they can defeat me, and that motivates me,” continued the KSW champion.
To wrap things up, Bartosiński made a joke. He said that although his bout with Masaev looks great on paper, he can always surprise the fans with an unconventional tactic.
– It’s definitely going to be the most interesting matchup, at least on paper. Unless, of course, I decide to clinch… You never know what I’ll come up with! Hey, you never know what I’ll come up with just to spite Woj. I want the whole city of Rzeszów to boo me! Nah, just kidding,” said “Bartos.”
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